A new lump inside your mouth, or anywhere else on your body, can cause alarm. However, it's wise to seek a professional opinion before becoming overly concerned. A palatal torus, also known as torus palatinus, is a benign bony growth that typically appears on the roof of your mouth. A torus, meaning bony protrusion, can vary in size and shape and is generally painless. While palatal tori do not always require treatment, your dentist might recommend removal for several specific reasons. Understanding the causes and treatment options for palatal tori is important before making any decisions.
What Causes Palatal Tori?
Researchers have not identified the exact cause of palatal tori, but they suspect several factors influence their growth. These include:
Age: A study published in Medicina indicated a higher frequency of tori in individuals over the age of 18. These growths can begin during adolescence but might not become noticeable until middle age or even later in life.
Diet: Food choices and habits also appear to correlate with the development of palatal tori. Individuals with vitamin deficiencies, those who consume a lot of fish or foods high in calcium, or those who chew on frozen or raw meat might be more susceptible to developing a torus.
Genetics: Although more research is needed, studies, such as the one in Medicina, suggest that genetics play a significant role in the development of tori, indicating that this trait can be inherited.
Tooth grinding (Bruxism): Grinding your teeth is also associated with an increased risk of palatal tori. If you grind your teeth, discuss strategies with your dentist to manage this habit, such as using night guards or practicing relaxation techniques.
When Should You Seek Treatment for Palatal Tori?
If you notice a lump on the roof of your mouth, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly. While the likelihood of the lump being cancerous or harmful is low, an examination is crucial to rule out any potential serious problems. Although some tori will not require treatment, your dentist might recommend removing the lump if it is:
Preventing orthodontic devices, mouth guards, or dentures from fitting correctly.
Altering speech patterns or causing a speech impediment.
Creating difficulty during eating, such as chewing or swallowing.
Causing food to get trapped around the growth.
Impacting your oral hygiene in any way.
How Do You Treat Palatal Tori?
If the growth interferes with your daily life, your dentist might recommend surgical removal of the torus. Your dentist will typically refer you to an oral surgeon, who will schedule an appointment to examine the lump and discuss treatment options. The surgeon usually uses a local anesthetic to numb the area before making an incision, carefully removing the excess bone, and closing the opening with sutures. The risk of complications is low, and recovery time generally takes three to four weeks. Be sure to discuss post-operative expectations with the oral surgeon or staff, including:
Post-operative care requirements.
Foods and beverages to avoid.
Oral hygiene recommendations.
Anytime you discover a new lump in your mouth, make an appointment with your dentist immediately to rule out any serious conditions. Fortunately, palatal tori pose no immediate danger, and you can lead a normal life even with the bony growth. If the torus interferes with speech, eating, or other oral treatments, surgery provides a successful option for removing the lump with minimal risk to your oral health and smile.
Pro Tip
The content of the article is shared by netizens, please carefully identify it